Month: November 2016

Choosing the right Martial Arts program for your child or your family is an important decision. We want to help you make the best decision and choose a program that is the right match for you. We often get asked the same questions from parents, just like you, who are interested in starting their or their child in Martial Arts. This list of frequently asked questions may help to answer some of the questions you may have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the benefits of joining a Martial Arts program?

A: Martial Arts is one of the best activities you can introduce to your child. Students who participate in our program benefit in many ways including improved discipline, self-confidence, self-control and improved academic standing due to an increased ability to focus and concentrate. Additionally, there is significant physical benefits students experience thought our Martial Arts program. Benefits include increased flexibility, improved physical fitness, improved posture, muscle development in the arms, legs and core, aerobic conditioning and improved reflexes and coordination.

Q: When do you accept new students?

A: Students are accepted throughout the year. We follow an open enrollment policy.

Q: Will martial arts/karate teach my child to be hostile and aggressive?

A: No. The core of our martial arts program is based on respect. Violence and aggression are not tolerated in our program. Students are taught to use Martial Arts only as a means of self-defense and never in a violent manner. Often, children in our program become even more respectful and kind.

Q: What ages are the other kids in the Martial Arts program?

A: Students are assigned to classes based on their age or ability. Classes are offered for children as young as 4 and as old as teenagers. Children enrolled in karate often grow with the program. As our students grow and mature they learn new techniques, perfect old ones, and advance.

Q: Are classes co-ed? Can boys and girls take Martial Arts?

A: Yes! All classes are co-ed. We have a good mix of both girls and boys in our Martial Arts program. Girls exceed in our program just as boys would and even perform better at some levels.

Q: Can you accommodate children with learning challenges?

A: It is widely known that karate programs are highly beneficial to children with ADD, ADHD or some level of Autism as well as other behavioral challenges. Because karate training occurs in a highly structured environment, children with certain learning challenges excel. They thrive on the routines and focus-based activities which are part of the karate experience.

Q: Can I try a class for free to see if I like it?

A: Absolutely. We encourage you to come visit the facilities, meet the instructor, and watch one of our classes before joining. We also encourage you to participate in our FREE INTRODUCTORY COURSE before making your final decision. There is no charge for your first 2 Private/Semiprivate Classes; just fill out a short liability release parent/guardian’s signature is required for minors) before participating. Please follow this link to watch these videos about our introductory program explained by Senior Master Mohamad Tabatabai, founder of the Academy: https://youtu.be/K2DLjvcX2KQ

A: New students attending a trial class can wear a t-shirt and exercise shorts/pants. Regular students should wear their karate uniform or karate pants with karate school-branded t-shirt. All students should practice in bare feet for Martial Arts classes. Students should not wear jewelry to class. Long hair should also be secure and away from the face. Finger nails and toenails should trimmed short.

If you didn’t see an answer to your particular question, please feel free to bring it up in your first Intro class!

You Decide Your Destiny!

Q:Who is “The Decider”?
A: Look in the mirror!

Often you may feel like decisions are made for you giving you the sense that life happens “to you”. However, in reality you make your own decisions.

“YOU” are the “Decider” of your own destiny! YOUR decisions, no matter how small or large, impact the very course of your destiny. Even if your choice is to allow others to make decisions for you, it is your decision that allows this to take place. Decisions, decisions, decisions….these are the building blocks of your live. The knowledge that you are truly the “decider” in the building of your life can be very awesome.

As an Educator in the Martial Arts, I often find myself reminding students of their amazingly powerful gift they hold as the decider, the leader of their own destiny. Even in situations where external things are happening to you, you get to choose your responses. You hold the power in your mind, body and spirit.

How to take control of my life?

Perhaps a story will help you see my point. High on a hilltop overlooking the beautiful city of Venice, Italy, there lived an old man who was a genius. Legend had it he could answer any question anyone might ask of him. Two of the local boys figured they could fool the old man, so they caught a small bird and headed for his residence.

One of the boys held the little bird in his hands and asked the old man if the bird was dead or alive. Without hesitation the old man said, “Son, if I say to you that the bird is alive, you will close your hands and crush him to death. If I say the bird is dead, you will open your hands and he will fly away. You see, son, in your hands you hold the power of life and death.” In your hands you hold the seeds of failure or the potential for greatness. Your hands are capable but they must be used – and for the right things – to reap the rewards you are capable of attaining.

The following quote captures the impact of this truth beautifully.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? Your playing small doesn’t’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you… As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the
same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

~ Marianne Williamson

What you might be thinking is, “what does this quote have to do with being the decider?” In short, fear is the opposite of empowerment.

Empowerment is taking pride in your glorious role as the “decider” of each and every one of your actions, reactions and finally, your destiny. If you have been living a life that feels out of control and chaotic, I can assure you that the underlying reason is fear. It might be fear of the unknown, fear of being vulnerable, fear of making decisions or a thousand other fears you manifest in your mind that aren’t even real. I can also assure you that there is only one way to break free of the upsetting controls of fear and move into a life filled with richness and abundance. You must claim the
powerful fact that you are the “decider”. This one decision has the potential to absolutely transform the course of your destiny forever! You must decide if you will:

A. Live as if life just “happens” to you, or B. Live life embracing the truth that you are “powerful beyond measure”.

Are you willing to decide, right now, to consciously and intentionally embrace the power you hold?

Are you ready to decide to be brilliant, beautiful, talented, and fabulous?

Are you ready to decide to let your light shine?

I can tell you from first-hand knowledge in my life and the lives of the people I meet, choosing to live your life as a “decider” is as magical as realizing, for the first time, that you have wings!

Are you ready, seriously ready, to be the “decider”?

If so, it really is the first day of a life like you’ve never experienced before!

In fact, it’s the first day of a life that those around you have never experienced before!

I leave you, “driver” of your life, with these words: “No one can predict to what heights you can soar. Even you will not know until you spread your wings.”

We are committed AKJJ Academy’s mission of enriching the lives of our students and their families with premiere martial arts education and valuable life skills. Sharing a community where healthy, supportive and value-oriented families can come together and help each other to successfully reach their goals. Envisioning a future where every student achieves their highest goals, live happy balanced lives and work hard to become one of the new leaders of our community, country and world.
We are committed AKJJ Academy’s mission of enriching the lives of our students and their families with premiere martial arts education and valuable life skills.

Sharing a community where healthy, supportive and value-oriented families can come together and help each other to successfully reach their goals. Envisioning a future where every student achieves their highest goals, live happy balanced lives and work hard to become one of the new leaders of our community, country and world.

We strongly believe that these empowered independent people (our members) will make excellent leaders, fathers and mothers that will empower their families and change our
community for the better. “Choose” to invest in yourself to help strengthen not just you, but your family as well!

P.S.. If you are interested in knowing more about how you and your family members can benefit from our programs, feel free to visit www.freemartialarts.us and learn more about
our programs and class information. Also: If you found this post useful, share this message with your friends and family and share your comments.

If you are not a member yet and you want to know more about our programs martial arts and fitness kickboxing programs for Kids, Families, women or men, just visit:

www.FreeMartialArts.US or If you have any questions or suggestions for further posts, please, contact me.